The emergence of a new variant of subtrochanteric stress fractures of the femur affecting patients on oral bisphosphonate therapy has only recently been described. This fracture is often preceded by pain and distinctive radiographic changes, and associated with a characteristic fracture pattern. We undertook a review of this cohort of patients in our service. A retrospective review was carried out looking for patients with subtrochanteric fractures who were taking oral bisphosphonates presenting with a low velocity injury over a two year period. Clinical data and radiographs were assessed.Introduction
Method
The productivity of trainees, consultants and institutions is frequently judged by the quantity of articles published in medical journals. While personnel may change, an institution should pride itself on its publication record. The aim of the study was to assess the publication history of Irish orthopaedic units over the last 5 years, and to identify patterns of publication. Using the same criteria used to differentiate candidates applying for the specialist registrar posts, we performed an extensive Pub Med search of each consultant affiliated with each orthopaedic unit in the country for the last 5 years (2004-2008) to assess the number of publications by each respective consultant and unit. Only the most senior publishing orthopaedic consultant, and the specific institution cited received credit for each paper. Publications were classified by individuals, institutions, publication type and impact factor.Introduction
Methods
Long bone surgery and marrow instrumentation represent significant surgical insults, and may cause severe local and systemic sequelae following both planned and emergent surgery. Preconditioning is a highly conserved evolutionary endogenous protective mechanism, but finding a clinically safe and acceptable method of induction has proven difficult. Glutamine, a known inducer of the heat shock protein (HSP) response, offers pharmacological modulation of injury through clinically acceptable preconditioning. This effect has not been previously demonstrated in an orthopaedic model. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that glutamine preconditioning protects against the local and systemic effects of long bone trauma in a rodent model.Introduction
Aims
